Gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder

In summary, the conversation discusses the problem of determining the thickness of a viscous liquid film around a cylinder, given various parameters such as density, viscosity, and volume flow rate. The equations used for this problem are the Navier-Stokes and continuity equations, with the assumption of an incompressible, viscous-dominated, Newtonian, steady, 2-D flow with no pressure gradient. The conversation also mentions using a cylindrical coordinate system and boundary conditions to solve the problem. It is suggested to look at flow down an inclined plane as a starting point and to search for information on viscous thin film flow around a cylinder for further insight.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A viscous liquid with density and viscosity ##\rho## and ##\mu## respectively is discharged onto the upper surface of a cylinder with radius ##a## at a volume flow rate ##Q##. This is a gravity-driven flow, and it forms a film around the cylinder--see picture.

What is the thickness $h$ of the layer as a function ##\theta##, ##a##, ##\rho##, ##\mu##, ##g##, and ##Q##.

Homework Equations


Navier-Stokes
Continuity

The Attempt at a Solution


First off, let's assume the flow is incompressible and viscous-dominated, Newtonian, steady, 2-D, and that no pressure gradient is present. Then continuity and Navier-Stokes equations are $$\nabla \cdot \vec{V} = 0$$ and $$g\hat{j} = \nu \nabla^2 \vec{V}$$
Now if we adopt a cylindrical coordinate system where ##x=rcos\theta## and ##y=r\sin\theta## we have
$$\frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial (r u_r)}{\partial r}+\frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial u_\theta}{\partial \theta}=0$$ and
$$g(\sin\theta \hat{e_r}+\cos\theta \hat{e_\theta})=\nu \frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial}{\partial r}\left(r \frac{\partial \vec{V} }{\partial r} \right)+\frac{1}{r^2} \frac{\partial^2 \vec{V}}{\partial \theta^2}$$

where ##\vec{V} = u_\theta \hat{e_\theta}+u_r\hat{e_r}##. Boundary conditions would be no slip along the surface, ##\vec{V} = 0## at ##r=a##. Another would be no stress along the surface of the thin film. And lastly we would have some incoming velocity related to ##Q##, which would be the velocity at ##r=a,\theta=0##. Any ideas how to proceed?

Thanks so much!
 

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  • #2
I would start out by looking at flow down an inclined plane of constant angle, and seeing where that takes me. It's got to be a pretty good approximation for most angles on the cylinder.

Chet
 
  • #3
Thanks for the response Chet! I did this but how can you extrapolate this to a cylinder?
 
  • #4
A Google search turned up useful information about this problem .

Search on ' viscous thin film flow around a cylinder '
 
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  • #5
joshmccraney said:
Thanks for the response Chet! I did this but how can you extrapolate this to a cylinder?
If the thickness is varying very gradually with theta, it should give an accurate result locally, except for at the leading and trailing edges.
 

FAQ: Gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder

1. What is gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder?

Gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder refers to the movement of a fluid around a cylindrical object due to the influence of gravity. This type of flow is characterized by the presence of viscous forces, which cause the fluid to move in a certain direction and create patterns around the cylinder.

2. How does gravity affect the flow around a cylinder?

Gravity plays a significant role in the flow around a cylinder by creating a pressure gradient that drives the flow. The force of gravity also affects the shape and size of the flow patterns, as well as the speed of the fluid particles.

3. What factors influence the gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder?

The gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder is influenced by several factors, including the density and viscosity of the fluid, the shape and size of the cylinder, and the strength of the gravitational force. Other factors such as surface roughness and flow velocity can also have an impact on the flow patterns.

4. What are some applications of gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder?

Gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder has many practical applications in various fields, such as in the design of ships and submarines, the study of ocean currents and weather patterns, and the development of aerodynamic shapes for vehicles and aircraft. It is also used in the manufacturing of turbines and other machinery that involves fluid flow.

5. How is gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder studied and analyzed?

Scientists and engineers use various methods to study and analyze gravity-induced viscous flow around a cylinder. This may include mathematical models, computer simulations, and physical experiments using scaled-down models or full-scale prototypes. The results of these studies can help us better understand the behavior of fluids and improve the design and performance of various systems and structures.

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